Ethan signed the last document without looking at it.

The pen felt heavier than it should have, as if every stroke carved something out of him rather than ink onto paper. Across the polished table, the lawyer cleared his throat, uncomfortable, aware that what was happening was not merely a transaction—but a surrender.

“This will strip you of all executive authority,” the man said carefully. “Your shares will be frozen. Your name will be removed from the board within forty-eight hours.”

Ethan nodded once.

“Do it.”

Silence followed. Even the air-conditioning seemed to hesitate.

Outside the glass walls of the private office, the city pulsed with light and ambition. Inside,...